Congratulations!

Congratulations to Zack Fineberg, Robyn Sher and Cassie Sher who have all have been selected to represent South Africa at the Macabbi Games.

Lifesaving News

Michael and Megan Stephens represented Gauteng at the SA National Lifesaving Stillwater Championships in Durban recently. Michael came second in his age group with two gold medals, one being for the Iron Man event.

Megan was Victrix in her age group winning five gold medals and breaking her own SA record for the 200m Obstacle. She was also selected for the Protea Lifesaving squad which will hopefully be participating in a Commonwealth Lifesaving competition in Canada in June.

Dad, Howard, was also part of the competition as he officiated for the fifth successive year.

New Training Schedule for Randburg Squads – 5 May 2009

To see the new training schedule for the Randburg & Linden Squads go to our training page.

Congratulations!

Barjo, our Waterborn Linden Coach has been selected by SASCOC to represent Lifesaving South African in the 2009 World Games Team.

We wish Barjo all the best for the event!

Swimsuit Ruling GR 5.3 for Telkom South African National Championships, Durban 14-19 April 2009

24 March 2009

Swimsuit Ruling GR 5.3 for Telkom South African National Championships, Durban 14-19 April 2009

With reference to the aforementioned FINA Rule GR 5.3, please note that this rule will be strictly enforced at the aforementioned competition. FINA has gone further to clarify this rule to include the use of modesty briefs under the racing suit. The direct implication of this would be that any swimmer wearing more than one swimsuit (including a modesty brief) would be disqualified from the event in which they competed when wearing more than one swimsuit.
Furthermore, all the other stipulations adopted by FINA in the Dubai Charter (attached hereto) will also be in effect at this competition.
Please ensure that all members within your jurisdiction are informed of this ruling as well as the rules as adopted in the Dubai Charter.

Yours sincerely
Shaun Adriaanse
Chief Executive – Swimming South Africa

Dubai Charter on FINA requirements for swimwear approval
As the world governing body for aquatic sports, FINA has the authority and responsibility to issue regulations applying to its five disciplines. This includes the determination of the specifications applying to sport equipment.
In the context of the discussion in connection with swimsuits development and their alleged impact on sport, FINA reaffirms that it will continue monitoring the evolution of the sport equipment with the main objective of keeping the integrity of the sport.
In doing so, FINA wishes to recall that the main and core principle is that swimming is a sport essentially based on the physical performance of the athlete. This is the fundament which FINA has and will continue to preserve as its main objective and priority. FINA brings together athletes from around the world to compete on equal conditions and thereby decides the winner by the athlete who is physically the best.
This does not however imply that swimming, like all other sports, should not integrate the natural progress and improvements in technology where this helps, bettering the conditions under which the athletes compete and optimising their athletic performances.
FINA also acknowledges the significance of the contributions manufacturers are bringing to the sport at all levels, including to the federations, athletes, coaches and event organisers. This co-operation is essential to continue to develop and remain a major sport worldwide.
In a rapidly evolving world, regulations need to progress as well to address new emerging issues. Before any discussion arose, FINA had initiated a process in view of adapting the equipment regulations. To improve their quality and credibility, FINA has not only consulted the manufacturers but has also sought the support of independent scientific experts of worldwide reputation who will notably assist in the determination of meaningful tests.
With the support of independent experts, FINA will set up a long term monitoring project with the mid/long term objective to allow an ongoing control on equipment development.
The FINA Bureau, after considering the conclusion of the meeting with the Swimsuit Manufacturers held in Lausanne (SUI) on February 20, 2009, where the full support from the FINA Athletes, Coaches and Legal Commissions was also received on this matter, has decided to revise the requirements for swimsuit approval with the aim of making them more clear, simple and transparent.
1. Amendments to existing FINA requirements for swimwear approval (valid until December 31, 2009)
a. DESIGN: The swimsuit shall not cover the neck and shall not extend past the shoulders nor past the ankles.
b. MATERIAL:
i. When used, the material shall follow the body shape;
ii. The application of different materials shall not create air trapping effects.
c. THICKNESS: The material used shall have a maximum thickness of 1 mm. The measurement method is in accordance with ISO Standard 5084 for textiles.
d. BUOYANCY: The swimsuit shall not have a buoyancy effect of more than 1 Newton (100 gr).
The value to be observed applies to all swimsuits sizes.
e. CONTROL: FINA has established its own independent control/testing programme. Scientific testing on thickness and buoyancy will be conducted by a neutral team led by Prof. Jan-Anders Manson, from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) and Laboratory of Polymer and Composite Technology.
f. CONSTRUCTION: Any system providing external stimulation or influence of any form (e.g. pain reduction, chemical/medical substance release, electro-stimulation, or others) is prohibited.
g. CUSTOMISATION: All swimsuits of an approved model must be constructed in an identical fashion with no variation/modification for individual swimmers from the samples submitted for approval. Any modification before use is prohibited; it is clarified that an adaptation of size does not constitute customisation.
h. USE: The swimmer can only wear one swimsuit (FINA Rule GR 5.3).
i. SWIMSUITS TO BE SUBMITTED: All swimsuits to be used during the period of application shall be submitted, even if previously approved. The only submission deadline under these rules is March 31, 2009.
j. APPROVAL: Approvals issued under these rules remain valid until December 31, 2009. Manufacturers must indicate the approval on the product in use through a method to be implemented by FINA. The purpose is to check that the swimsuits used in competition are approved models.
In addition to the amendments valid until December 31, 2009, the FINA Bureau approved the following:
2. FINA requirements for swimwear approval (valid from January 1, 2010)
a. SWIMWEAR SUBJECT TO APPROVAL: Any swimwear used in FINA competitions and Olympic Games shall comply with these new rules and shall be a model approved by FINA in accordance with these new procedures. It is further clarified that results achieved in other competitions may only be recognised as world records by FINA if approved swimwear has been used.
b. PERMEABILITY: In addition to the thickness and buoyancy scientific independent tests already included in the previous requirements, FINA will define the use of non-permeable materials based on a ‘permeability value’ test. The non-permeable material can only be used for a maximum 50% of the total surface of the swimsuit for full-body models. For these models, the maximum surface of non-permeable material to be used on the upper and lower part of the swimsuit shall be respectively 25% on each part. Non-permeable material shall be distinguishable.
c. SUBMISSION DATES: The first submission deadline under these rules is November 1, 2009, followed by a submission on August 1 every year (example: August 1, 2010; August 1, 2011). Submission to approval 12 months in advance of the forthcoming FINA World Championships or Olympic Games. Moreover, the approved model shall be available on the market at least 6 months prior to the forthcoming FINA World Championships or Olympic Games.
d. LIST OF APPROVED MODELS: FINA will publish a list of approved models. The publication is without prejudice to the fact that criteria and conditions of approval must be effectively met by products in use.
e. APPLICATION: These new rules are applicable from October 1, 2009. They are applied to swimwear to be used in competition from January 1, 2010. Further amendments, if necessary, shall be issued by the FINA Bureau.
3. FINA Monitoring Programme on swimwear
FINA will continue monitoring the evolution of the sports equipment and watch innovations in shape, material and other elements which may need to be addressed.
FINA will consult with its National Federations, its Athletes, Coaches and Legal Commissions, Swimming Committee and manufacturers on any further developments in this respect.
FINA will consolidate the independent scientific support from Jan-Anders Manson and his team, from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) and Laboratory of Polymer and Composite Technology.

Urgent Notification!

TUE Forms : Drug Free Sport : Medication approval

This is an important reminder that should your child be on any medication i.e. Ritalin, asthmatic medication etc you are to please ensure that you have contacted Drug Free Sport South Africa in order to organise the necessary TUE forms and gain authorisation for the use of this medication from them. If your child is on any medication please contact them to query the status of this.

Drug Free Sport Contact details
Pamela Isaacs
Tel: (021) 761-8034
Fax: (021) 761-8148
Email: pamela@drugfreesport.org.za

Drug tests will take place at all levels of all national events this year. Drug testing also takes place randomly throughout the season at other events. It does not matter what level swimmer your child is - if they take daily medication and are registred as a competitive swimmer, you need to check with Drug Free Sport on this urgently in order to complete the necessary TUE forms if required. If you are in any doubt please contact Drug Free Sport to clarify!

Drug Free Sport also have a very informative website to assist athletes of all disciplines
http://www.drugfreesport.org.za/

During the year if your child needs any form of once-off medication please ensure that your doctor is aware that they are swimmers and the medication issued must adhere to the Drug Free Sport acceptance list.

The onus is on you as parents to ensure that the correct procedure has been followed.

Your co-operation in this regard will be appreciated.

With kindest regards
Julie Langley
P.A. To Peter Williams
Waterborn Swimming CC
083-306-9757
pjlangley@telkomsa.net

“WATERBORN” – The Spawning Of A New Generation

“How many people would have thought that Waterborn would have had two guys in the final of the 200 free at the Olympics? I know of three for sure – me, Dom and you! Congrats Pete. It’s a tribute to your awesome coaching abilities and what an amazing person you are! I am so proud to represent you and Waterborn.” – Jean Basson in an sms text to Peter between semi-finals and finals at the Beijing Olympics.

Peter has responded in the Waterborn monthly newsletter:

It’s a privilege to have watched an Olympic Games in its entirety.

During South Africa’s sports isolation we were fortunate to watch any international events. My coach was Scottish and sourced BBC recordings of the Olympics which we would watch many months later (though always after training and maybe if the water temperature dipped below
10º C).

In 1988 as a World Record Holder I hoped to see my name on the Seoul Olympic events programme. However, a last minute protest by the United States had Tom Jager’s name reinstated in the programme (South Africa was not an official member of FINA). I chose not to watch and instead applied pent up energy into training that week.

In 1992 South Africa’s last minute (you have no idea) readmission allowed me to participate in the first international competition of my athletic career. In order to stay focused on my event, I spent my time and creative thoughts in Barcelona’s art museums rather than get caught up in the catastrophe that was taking place in the South African residence in the Olympic Village (some of our relays and individual entries had been omitted). I had a great time in the best city in the world and was proud of my performance despite not having trained much during the last 3 years prior to Barcelona (I had stopped swimming owing to injuries and insufficient means or motive to continue training).

I missed the 1996 Atlanta Olympics despite having achieved the qualifying time. I was unfairly victimized for publically criticizing Swimming South Africa and N.O.C.S.A.. I was subsequently victimized by being unlawfully banned from competitions during my build-up to Olympic Trials owing to an article I had written commenting on the pedantic Olympic support programme. While many of my friends from all over the world were competing, I treated myself to a trans-continental road trip cruise across Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, the Pacific North West and Alaska. Treat yourself to something similar at least once in your lifetime…..

By 1997 I was coaching and promised myself to not watch any international swimming event until one of my swimmers was participating. Sydney 2000 was a yawn since my training programme had not yet produced a qualifier (can anyone tell me something interesting about Australia?). Besides I lived in a commune with mates at the time and nothing could have distracted us from fun!!!

By 2004 Waterborn’s 8-year plans had kicked in. Dominic Meichtry became the training programme’s first Olympian. The good-natured Swiss and generous Meichtry family treated coach and athlete to 3 months in Europe before the Olympics. Dom and I enjoyed a unique life opportunity to share a special period of our lives together. I travelled to Athens solo where Dom achieved a semi-final in the 200m Free. Happily I saw the S.A. 4 x 100m freestyle World-Record and Olympic gold performance, after having humorously argued with the American relay coach shortly beforehand that they stood no chance against South Africa. Not to be outdone though, or underdone, I celebrated in fine style at the Zurich Love Parade with 1.5 million other highly spirited folk.

The 2008 Olympic games however had me glued to the television, albeit at 4 a.m.

The Beijing Olympics has been the most significant international swimming event in history. The quality of athletes participating, depth in performance, World and Olympic Records and of course Michael Phelps’ superhuman effort have left the international swimming fraternity agasp; with good reason. The sport of swimming has experienced a watershed event. Never again will a swimmer be internationally competitive purely because of physical talent. Swimming has been a late arrival in the world of professional sport but has announced its arrival in an unprecedented and mind-blowing style.

South Africans (athletes and the general populace) have finally realized what a monstrous event the Olympic Games is.

And amidst all the melodrama of the past few weeks two extremely calm and collected, well prepared and well-rehearsed young Waterborn 200m freestylers cooley went about their races with the maturity of past gold-medalist world record holders. Dom and Jean have quietly become the 7th and 8th fastest 200m freestyle performers of all-time.

You may be excited by an All-Black / South African encounter or some other sporting event. Fortunately I realized early in my coaching life that watching one’s protégé’s outperform themselves, at whatever level of competition, is the biggest thrill.

So, despite numerous debates in the public arena about malcontent amongst administrators, coaches and athletes, inadequate financial resources, mismanagement, false confidence, under preparedness and disorganization, Waterborn’s two undersized 200m freestyle specialists maintained their focus throughout and sensibly managed their emotional intensity with the good sense Waterborn and their respective families have instilled in their competitive psyche.

By consistently applying great technique, developing a healthy self-esteem and positive attitude towards overcoming life’s obstacles, rehearsing superior race-strategy and following a well-planned, structured scientific based training programme you can upset the world’s best, and ultimately outperform yourself.

Nothing beats positive life-force……it costs nothing, and everything you put into sustaining it makes you stronger and wiser for the next life challenge.

Jean and Dom choose to believe in themselves. They have each overcome immeasurable odds to achieve international status as specialist free “stylers”. In the crazy world of competitive chaos they have created order and understanding. As their coach and friend I am humbled by their conviction and faith in the Waterborn process.

Life has affirmed the relationship between the three of us. We share an unbreakable bond. Jean and Dom have helped me complete one of life’s circles. Thank you!


With kindest regards


PETER WILLIAMS
Director of Coaching
Waterborn Swimming

Former World Record Holder
Former Swiss Olympic Coach
Former S.A. Coach

Updated Qualifying Times – 2008/2009

All the qualifying times for Senior A, Senior B, CGA and National Level 3, CGA and National Level 2 and CGA and National Level 1 has been updated. Go to the links to view the updates.

Gate Access Linden Pool – Waterborn Linden Squad

There appears to be some problems on gate access for the parents into Linden Pool.

Management of Jhb City Council (Kathy Parker) who is in charge of Linden Pool with the relevant on-site management has confirmed the following information to Waterborn:

• Swimmers Season Ticket @ R115

Parents who wish to enter Linden Pool to watch/collect their children prior to 19h00 must pay R8 on gate entry. Should you enter the premises after the operating hours, in other words after 19h00 their will be no gate access fee.

I trust that the information provided now clarifies the situation and will assit you all.

With kindest regards,
Julie Langley
PA to Peter Williams
Waterborn Swimming CC
Cell: 083-306-9757
pjlangley@telkomsa.net

Waterborn Feels Like The Right Place To Be

The way we train and prepare for competition is unique – movement, stimulation, lightness and speed evolve from the exhaustive, tireless schedule of our swimmers.

In May, the training programme enters into the 9th year of developing original swimming ideas and competitive philosophy. We have shared knowledge, grown together, achieved success and experienced failure.

The 2005/6 season is the final year of Waterborn's first development cycle. The club has evolved out of a commitment to finding “a better way” – to train, to swim and to race. I believe we demonstrate our freshness and innovation by Waterborn's approach to achieving goals. The process of searching for ideas, creating strategies and settling on implementation is an ongoing challenge for coaches, parents and swimmers.

Let's continue to support each other in our efforts to expand opportunities for growth and development.

Peter Williams